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MPI senior fisheries analyst Mark Geytenbeek said, "It's a real pleasure to play our part in helping the hospital do its part to protect this iconic New Zealand species."

Sealord chief operating officer Doug Paulin said the company was fortunate to have a supply of southern blue whiting, which suits the requirements of hoiho.

"We were really happy to support the penguins and the Wildlife Hospital, which does great work. We knew we had access to fish suitable for hoiho, so it was just a matter of making it happen. We've been supporting a number of causes and communities across New Zealand facing challenges due to COVID-19. It shows even animals are not immune to the impact," he said.

Hoiho, yellow-eyed penguins, are an endangered species. There are two populations of hoiho in New Zealand.

A suitable diet for hoiho comprises key species of fish and squid. Blue and red cod, opal fish and sprat have all been shown to be important foods for them. Penguins in care are generally fed a mix of salmon and white fish such as whiting or silverside.